Jets' Antonio Cromartie says Giants' Odell Beckham Jr. 'has a lot of room to grow'

About two months ago, in early October,Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie knocked Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. pretty good.

Cromartie called Beckham "a one-year wonder." At the time Cromartie said this, Beckham had played 16 games in his season-plus NFL career, since the Giants drafted him 12th overall last year. 

"It's just one year," Cromartie said. "I need to see it on an every-game basis." 

Beckham has played seven games since Cromartie made those comments, which Beckham brushed off. 

Beckham's receiving yardage totals in those games: 121, 61, 35, 130, 105, 104, and 142. He has seven touchdown catches over that span, including an insane grab in Sunday's loss at Washington. Not a bad stretch for Beckham. 

This Sunday, the Jets — perhaps without star corner Darrelle Revis — will try to cover Beckham. It won't be an easy task, especially if Revis is absent, due to a concussion. Would Cromartie, a 10th-year veteran, be up to the challenge? 

On Monday, Cromartie (sort of) stood by his comments about Beckham not yet having a full NFL body of work. But Cromartie also praised Beckham, who ranks sixth in the NFL with 91.4 receiving yards per game and tied for second with nine touchdown catches, behind only Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert, who has 12. 

"I still feel like there's still so much room for him to grow," Cromartie said of Beckham. "He's a young, athletic guy that can go out and make plays, and make unbelievable catches. He's proven that over and over.

"He does have a lot of room to grow, because he's so young. He's only in his second year. So he only can evolve in that offense, and being around the guys, like Eli Manning, to make him evolve more. Yes, he has a lot of room to grow, to be the guy that everyone knows he can be." 

this season, and had yet to see the touchdown catch he made Sunday in Washington. Cromartie said that for this entire season, he has only watched film of the Jets' upcoming opponent. He planned to begin studying Beckham on Monday evening. 

"I don't know anything that's going on with him," Cromartie said Monday afternoon. "I don't know stats, nothing. I won't know anything until tonight when I start studying things, and tomorrow morning." 

Odell Beckham on latest ridiculous catch: Doesn't matter, we lost

Even among the impossible catches that Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. makes look routine, there are those that still leave you jaw agape. The latest came in the fourth quarter of Sunday's game against the Redskins.

But just like the original "Catch" from a November 2014 matchup against the Cowboys (you can relive that magic here), the Giants lost the game. And that, as far as Beckham is concerned, is all that matters.

"It really doesn't matter; we didn't win," he said, via NorthJersey.com. "[Eli Manning] threw the ball out there and I laid out for it. I tried to catch it, and it is what it is. We lost the game. It's not really something that is important right now."

Beckham's right ... but also, that catch. Even Redskins players, who see Beckham twice a year, were blown away.

"That's not human," left tackle Trent Williams said, via CSNMidAtlantic.com. "That's just an effort that nobody can stop. That man's amazing."

Odell Beckham did it again. (USATSI)

Cornerback Will Blackmon added: "I think he's the only wide receiver in the NFL who makes that catch. Straight up."

And defensive end Jason Hatcher said, "My son, I think he loves Odell Beckham more than he do me. I guess I'm gonna have to go out and buy his jersey. That guy is special. God don't make many like him. He's just a special guy."

But, as Beckham reminds us: the scoreboard is the bottom line. And the win moved the Redskins into first place in the division for the first time since 2012, two full games clear of the last-place Cowboys -- whose fans still have jokes:

Did Giants let Odell Beckham play with a concussion?

ARLINGTON, Texas — The NFL could have another concussion controversy on its hands this week.

Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. was able to stay in Sunday night’s game against the Cowboys despite taking a huge hit in the first quarter that appeared to leave him wobbly.

Beckham was leveled by Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox on a throw over the middle with 2:42 left in the first quarter of the Giants’ 27-26 loss, held his arms out in disoriented fashion and then stumbled groggily to the Giants’ bench.

Beckham was looked at by Giants trainers and doctors after he tried to wave off their attempt to make him undergo the NFL’s mandatory concussion protocol. They cleared him in surprisingly quick fashion, not even making Beckham go in the locker room for a more in-depth look.

And because a potential Beckham fumble was reviewed on replay, which took several minutes, he ended up being able to return to the game right away. The Giants said Monday that two physicians checked Beckham on the sidelined and determined the was no signs of a  concussion.

However, the hit seemed to linger with Beckham, who wasn’t himself at the start of his sophomore season. The 22-year-old had only played 12 career games, but had proven to be capable of just about anything, including outdoing last year’s unforgettable one-handed touchdown catch against Dallas, which vaulted him to superstardom.

Beckham, who did not speak with reporters following the game, was limited to just 44 receiving yards.

Despite what all previous evidence suggested, Beckham was not unstoppable.

“I knew that I had to bring my A-game every time I was lined up close to him,” Wilcox said. “I feel solid. I feel real solid. We knew had our hands full, but I feel good about it.”

Beckham, who entered the game tied with Michael Irvin for the all-time record of nine straight games with at least 90 yards, was unable to gain sole possession of the mark, finishing with five catches and his lowest yardage total since last Oct. 19.

In last year’s two meetings with Dallas, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year tortured the Cowboys, recording two touchdowns in his first visit to Texas, while adding another two scores, along with 10 catches and 146 yards in the memorable meeting at MetLife Stadium.

After an offseason of extra attention, Beckham found trouble breaking free against the increased focus on the field, subject to tight coverage and looming safety help.

“They did a good job getting some pressure, keeping everything in front of them,” Eli Manning said. “They weren’t letting us get down the field much.”

After recording one catch for 3 yards in the first half, Beckham had two receptions on the first drive of the second half. Though contained again for another long stretch, Beckham made two key third-down catches in the final minutes, appearing to help seal a Giants’ win.

Soon, certainty displayed how fickle it can be — even for those expected to steal every show.

Don’t ask ‘pissed off’ Cowboys about Odell Beckham’s catch

IRVING, Texas — The Cowboys won the game, but “The Catch” is still a touchy subject around here almost a year later.

Not only do they want to act as if Odell Beckham Jr.’s miraculous one-handed grab against them last November never happened, but mention it to the primary defender victimized on the play and watch the expletives fly.

“You’re pissing me off with these questions,” Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr barked at The Post on Wednesday when asked about Beckham and the play heading into their personal rematch Sunday night at AT&T Stadium.

Carr is nursing an injured hand, so that might account for some of his grumpiness. But the veteran corner more likely is nursing injured pride after more questions about being posterized on national TV at MetLife Stadium on the play that started Beckham on the road to superstardom.

Dallas ended up winning the game, 31-28, but that fact seems all but forgotten. The only moment from that game that still lingers — and will for a long time — is Beckham practically reaching to the sky to haul in a 43-yard Eli Manning TD grab down the right sideline.

As well as it being eye-popping, Beckham added to the degree of difficulty by making the grab in double coverage (safety Barry Church was closing fast with Carr) while being interfered with by a falling Carr.

No wonder Carr didn’t want to talk about it Wednesday, grimacing and groaning as soon as Beckham’s name was mentioned.

“I’m sick of talking about it a year later,” said Carr, an eight-year veteran who came to Dallas from the Chiefs three years ago. “It’s old. I don’t want to talk about no more, but y’all [media] just keep bringing it up, though. I’ll just go out and handle it, though. I’ve been through a lot.”

At least Carr gets credit for facing the cameras Wednesday when he knew the primary — and perhaps only — topic would be Beckham. The same couldn’t be said for Church, a six-year pro who was nowhere to be seen in the Cowboys’ locker room during the media access period.

After a handful of questions about the play, Carr grudgingly credited Beckham.

“It was a great grab,” Carr said. “Kudos to him. I just bounced back and continue to play. That’s all I do. And answer these questions a year later.”

Cowboys coach Jason Garrett wasn’t eager to relive ‘‘The Catch,’’ either. He only mentioned it in passing when asked Wednesday about Beckham and prodded for an assessment of the Giants’ second-year sensation.

“Oh, I just think he’s a really good player,” Garrett said. “He’s a really good route runner. He obviously can make a lot of plays both down the field and make plays over his head like we’ve all seen.

“He’s dynamic with the ball in his hands running with it after he makes the catch, and he’s just one of those guys who seems to be really productive,” Garrett added. “He’s come through a lot over the course of his short career. To have the production he had over the course of 12 games last year was pretty impressive. He’s a damn good football player.”

Carr agreed, offering high praise for Beckham just as long as you didn’t ask him about “The Catch.”

“He’s a guy with exceptional ability and a big catch radius,” Carr said. “And he’s a small guy that plays big.”

As Carr learned all too vividly — up close and personal — nine months ago at the Meadowlands.

Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons predictions: Who is going with Big Blue?

If there was any doubt who you should listen to on early-season Giants picks, go check out last week's predictions. Nailed it. The Cowboys but not with the point. 

This week it's the Giants ... and the points. They're two-point favorites over the Atlanta Falcons in their home opener at MetLife Stadium. Book it. Even Politi stench can't ruin this one. Or listen to young Kratch. Your choice. 

Jordan Raanan, Giants reporter (Season record: 1-0)

Giants 25, Falcons 22
Everything is working in the Giants favor for this one. They're itching to get back on the field following a disastrous ending in Dallas. It's their home opener. Atlanta is on a short week after playing on Monday night. Quarterback Matt Ryan and the Falcons are never the same on the road. And the '90 Giants will be in the building. You can't lose under those circumstance, unless the Giants are actually worse than I thought, which would mean start preparing for a dumpster fire. 

MVP: Odell Beckham Jr.
He will not be limited again. The Falcons couldn't cover him last year in his first career game and can't here either. He rebounds from a relatively quiet opener with 12-15 receptions and 200 yards receiving. 

James Kratch, Giants reporter (Season record: 0-1)

Falcons 28, Giants 24There will be a lot of folks predicting the Giants to circle the wagons, put the Debacle in Dallas behind them and get back to .500 on Sunday against a Falcons team that traditionally does not play as well on the road as they do inside the friendly confines of the Georgia Dome. But I'm not one of them. It's hard to see the Giants posting a plus-3 turnover margin again, and if they still can't rush the quarterback, Matt Ryan is going to pick them apart. Eli Manning and the offense will have a good day, but it won't be enough, as the Falcons will just make more plays. 

MVP: Falcons QB Matt RyanTony Romo completed 80 percent of his passes against the Giants in Week 1. Ryan will flirt with that number this weekend, and he'll have Julio Jones to make a lot of those throws to. 

Steve Politi, columnist (Season record: 0-1)

Giants 31, Falcons 23 
As much as I hated the way the Giants defense went into a shell in the final minutes against the Cowboys, I think there's a lesson in that for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. At least, you'd hope there would be, and they'll be more aggressive against Matt Ryan and Co. The Falcons are never a good bet on the road outdoors. Eli Manning and Odell Beckham connect for a couple of scores and the Giants get to 1-1.

MVP: Odell Beckham Jr. 
It's time to throw him a few passes downfield. 

Fantasy football projections, Week 2: Falcons-Giants featuring Julio Jones, Roddy White and Odell Beckham Jr.

The Week 2 matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Giants features two teams that endured close finishes to start the season. We've got the fantasy projections courtesy of numberFire.

Atlanta Falcons

Anybody who has played fantasy football for any length of time knows that wide receiver Julio Jones is the real deal. He proved it in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, catching nine passes for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Jones is the definition of an elite pass catcher and he should have no trouble putting up the numbers that we're used to against the Giants.

His numbers will come via the hand of quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan had over 200 passing yards at halftime against the Eagles last week. He looked poised to finish the contest with monster stats, but the Eagles did pick him off twice in the game. Ryan has always been in that immediate second tier of quarterbacks. This season, given that he has Jones alongside a healthier Roddy White, his numbers should be as steady as they've ever been. Start him in New York.

New York Giants

Odell Beckham Jr. exploded onto the fantasy scene last year, but his 2015 season started off with a whimper as he caught just five passes for 44 yards against the Dallas Cowboys last week. It may just be a timing thing. The good news is that Beckham was targeted eight times in the game and he is still going to finish the season as one of the league's elite receivers. The Falcons defense seemed greatly improved in Week 1, but Beckham is a great talent in his own right. He'll be in starting lineups everywhere on Sunday.

Beckham's production moving forward will hinge largely on the performance of quarterback Eli Manning. Manning put together a pedestrian 20 completions for 193 passing yards and no touchdowns in Dallas, and he needs to be better going forward. The Falcons are usually pretty friendly to quarterbacks, so Manning will get a chance to redeem himself in Week 2. He's an automatic start in deeper leagues. Otherwise it really depends on what owners have on the roster.

Desmond Trufant on the keys to stopping Odell Beckham Jr.

Trufant said he was fine with matching up one-on-one with Beckham Jr. or playing sides.

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said earlier in the week that the game plan would likely have a mix of man and zone coverages for Beckham. Look for free safety Ricardo Allen to also be a part of that plan.

Falcons CB Desmond Trufant vs. Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr.: Trufant had a pass breakup on one of the few passes Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford threw in his direction. He’ll line up on the left side, but will have some time 1-on-1 with Beckham, who caught five passes for 44 yards in the loss to Dallas. Beckham, who was the 12th player taken in the 2014 draft out of LSU, had 91 catches for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns in 12 games as a rookie last season.